School of Skilled Trades

Vigil & Associates, in collaboration with Architekton and Design Systems Inc., is developing the School of Skilled Trades at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), a groundbreaking facility designed to transform skilled trades education. This state-of-the-art, 21st-century learning environment will serve as a dynamic hub where students, industry leaders, and the community come together to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of trades education. The facility not only expands CNM’s educational reach but also strengthens industry connections, ensuring that current and emerging trades thrive as Albuquerque continues to grow.

A key driver of the facility’s design was a comprehensive curriculum analysis, examining market trends and modern pedagogy in skilled trades education. The six-month visioning and programming effort focused on aligning industry needs with educational strategies, reinforcing the skilled trades as a respected and lucrative career path. This effort resulted in a multi-phase, multi-building plan to create an interdisciplinary hub, linking essential trades such as carpentry and welding in Phase I, with future expansion into architecture, surveying, machine tooling, and advanced automotive technologies—including diesel, electric, and autonomous vehicle maintenance.

Phase I, currently under construction and set for completion in 2025, includes a 59,300-square-foot facility housing 32,330 square feet of high-tech labs, 10 classrooms, academic support spaces, and offices. Designed with adaptability in mind, the labs are built with infrastructure that allows for seamless modifications to support evolving programs and technologies. Large overhead doors provide effortless movement of vehicles and heavy equipment into outdoor workspaces, transforming exterior yards into interactive learning and demonstration areas. Every lab is infused with natural daylight and designed for high visibility, not only enhancing the educational experience but also showcasing the trades to visitors, prospective students, and industry partners.

Beyond its functional excellence, the facility incorporates a user-centered interior that enhances the student and instructor experience. Open, flexible spaces encourage collaboration, while thoughtfully integrated wayfinding elements and clear sightlines foster a sense of accessibility and engagement. The use of commodity materials in creative ways delivers a cost-effective yet aesthetically compelling environment, reinforcing the hands-on, practical nature of skilled trades education while maintaining a budget-conscious approach.

Through its innovative design, adaptable learning spaces, and commitment to visitor engagement, the new School of Skilled Trades at CNM will not only redefine how trades education is delivered but also inspire future generations to explore careers in the skilled trades—equipping them with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in an evolving industry landscape.